Books by Ellen Morris Bishop

An accomplished geologist, photographer, environmental advocate, and teacher, Ellen Morris Bishop also happens to be passionate about the diverse landforms of Oregon. In studying Oregon's natural history, Ellen realized that the fascinating stories told by the landscape were only accessible to other researchers. With a desire to bring the entire chronicle of Oregon's geological and natural history to the general public, Ellen set out to write In Search of Ancient Oregon. With more than two decades of experience in geological research and a firsthand knowledge of the landscapes of Oregon, Ellen is eminently qualified to reveal the state's unique history. Ellen has earned degrees in geology from Dickinson College (B.S.) and Oregon State University (M.S. and Ph.D.) and completed postgraduate studies with the geological research division of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Her research helped define Oregon's exotic terranes, including the Baker terrane, and the terranes of the Blue Mountains. An avid educator, Ellen has held both research and teaching positions at Marylhurst University, Lewis and Clark College, Eastern Oregon University, the University of Arkansas, Sul Ross State University, and Oregon State University. In these roles she has authored multiple technical publications and educated up-and-coming geologists. She has lived in communities throughout Oregon - from Portland to Madras, and Eugene to La Grande - and regularly hikes the diverse landscapes that make up Oregon's backcountry. While geologists have a mantra that the present is the key to the past, Ellen strongly believes that the past is also a key to the future. This has led her to use her expertise about geology and past ecosystems to educate the public about environmental issues. She has worked as director of the Pacific Rivers Council's Community Rivers Program, as public education coordinator for the Columbia River Bioregion Campaign, and as an extended day coordinator and grant writer for the SUN (Schools Uniting Neighborhoods) program at Whitaker Middle School. She has also organized many conferences that have addressed environmental and geological issues. In her role as staff writer for The Columbian (Vancouver, Washington) and freelance writer for The Oregonian (Portland), Ellen has regularly informed the public about scientific, environmental, and technological issues. Ellen also has substantial training and experience as a professional photographer. She has worked as a photojournalist for several papers throughout the Northwest, and her landscape photos have been used and displayed by the Sierra Club, Oregon Natural Resources Council, and the Nature Conservancy.